Design Manual

Manual Intro

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The current version of the SUDAS Design Manual is the 2024 Edition

The SUDAS manuals are revised once a year, usually in December. When the SUDAS Board of Directors approves changes to the SUDAS Design Manual, those changes can be found on the General Supplemental Design Standards page. Previous editions of the SUDAS Design Manual can be found here.

How to Use the Design Manual

The SUDAS Design Manual is written to the engineer developing a specific project. The manual is an excellent tool for the design engineer to use as the particular aspects of a project are being addressed.  It is not a textbook, but rather a document that provides design guidance through references to appropriate national standards and regulations in Iowa. The Design Manual is a direct complement to the SUDAS Standard Specifications. It has been developed and updated with the involvement of engineers from cities, counties, state agencies, and consultants from across the state.

The subjects included cover almost all of the typical public works projects and are applicable to private, as well as public projects. The initial chapter provides general information about project design, including typical types of information to include.  Guidance is provided about bid item descriptions, items that need to be specified because of the nature of the menu specifications, and proprietary products that meet the standard specifications. The remaining chapters address specific types of projects. Each chapter starts with a general description of the elements dealing with the project type, followed by detailed information about that design. Examples are often included as a means of further clarification of the design concepts.

In addition to the information provided in the Design Manual, the engineer needs to consult with the jurisdiction responsible for the project to ascertain specific elements that may be required by the agency.

Nothing in the Design Manual limits the designer’s use of new and/or innovative technology. The engineer should consider the value gained for the project at hand or future projects as new products or construction techniques are evaluated. Evaluation of the new product or technique must include a comparison to established standards and generally accepted practices prior to incorporation into the project.

Be sure to check the Supplemental Design Standards page to see if any changes to the Design Manual have been approved by the SUDAS Board of Directors.

Modifying the SUDAS Manuals

If you need to modify the SUDAS manuals to meet your jurisdiction’s needs, please read this document first.

Chapter 1: General Provisions

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1A General Information

Section 1A-1: General Information
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  1. Purpose
  2. Definitions
  3. Intent of the SUDAS Design Manual
  4. Organization of the Manual
  5. Jurisdiction and Agencies
  6. Amendment and Revisions
  7. Enforcement Responsibility
  8. Interpretation
  9. Innovation

1B Plan Development

Section 1B-1: Classifications of Improvements
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  1. Sanitary Sewer
  2. Water Mains
  3. Drainage Facilities
  4. Erosion and Sediment Control
  5. Entrances
  6. Streets
  7. Utilities
  8. Accessibility
1B-2: Preliminary Plan/Information Development
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  1. General
  2. Bidding Public Improvements
  3. Specific Jurisdiction Requirements

1C Submittal Procedures

Section 1C-1: Submittal Procedures
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  1. Construction Plans and Specifications Submittal Procedure
  2. Updates to Previously Approved Plans
  3. Submittal Checklist

1D Detailed Plans for Construction of Public Improvements

Section 1D-1: Detailed Plans for Construction of Public Improvements
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  1. Public Improvement Plan Sheet Requirements
  2. General Information to be Shown on the Construction Plans
  3. Detailed Sanitary and Storm Sewer Plans
  4. Detailed Open Channel and Drainageway Plans
  5. Detailed Paving Plans
  6. Grading Plans/Erosion Control Plans
  7. Water Main Plans
  8. Railroad Crossings
  9. ADA Ramps
Section 1D-2: Items to be Specified on Plans or in Contract Documents
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Section 1D-3: Incidental or Included Items
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Section 1D-4: Bid Items
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  1. Standard Bid Items
  2. Supplemental Bid Items

1E Public Improvement Contracts

Section 1E-1: Public Improvements Contracts
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  1. General
  2. Contract Documents
  3. Pre-construction Meeting
  4. Materials and Shop Drawings

1F Plans of Record

Section 1F-1: Plans of Record
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  1. General
  2. Information to be Shown on Plans of Record

1G Products

Section 1G-1: Products
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Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 2: Stormwater

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2A General Information

Section 2A-1: General Information
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  1. Concept
  2. Informing the Public
  3. Conditions
  4. Unified Sizing Criteria
  5. Floodplain Management
  6. References
Section 2A-2: Stormwater Regulations and Permitting
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  1. Iowa Drainage Law and Resources
  2. Regulated Activities
Section 2A-3: Stormwater Management Criteria
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  1. Minor and Major Design Storms
  2. Design Frequencies for Conveyance Facilities
  3. Street Flow Criteria
  4. References
Section 2A-4: Project Drainage Report
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  1. Purpose
  2. Instructions for Preparing Report
  3. Contents
  4. Computer Analysis
  5. References

2B Urban Hydrology and Runoff

Section 2B-1: General Information for Urban Hydrology and Runoff
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  1. Introduction
  2. Definitions
  3. References
Section 2B-2: Rainfall and Runoff Periods
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  1. Introduction
  2. Rainfall Frequency Analysis
  3. References
Section 2B-3: Time of Concentration
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  1. Introduction
  2. Factors Affecting Time of Concentration
  3. NRCS Velocity Method
  4. NRCS Lag Method
  5. References
Section 2B-4: Runoff and Peak Flow
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  1. Introduction
  2. Rational Method
  3. SCS Methods
  4. References
Section 2B-5: Watershed Routing (Hydrograph Determination)
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  1. Introduction
  2. Modified Rational Method for Basin Routing
  3. Tabular Hydrograph Method
  4. References
Section 2B-6: Runoff Examples
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  1. Rational Method Example
  2. SCS Method Example

2C Pavement Drainage and Intake Capacity

Section 2C-1: General Information for Pavement Drainage and Intake Capacity
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  1. Introduction
  2. Design Criteria
  3. References
Section 2C-2: Flow in Gutters
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  1. Introduction
  2. Gutter Capacity and Spread
  3. Flow in Sag Vertical Curves
  4. Gutter Flow Times
  5. References
Section 2C-3: Intake Design and Spacing
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  1. Introduction
  2. Definitions
  3. Intake Types
  4. Intake Capacity
  5. Design of Intakes On-grade
  6. Design of Intakes in Sag Locations
  7. Storm Sewer Structure Requirements
  8. Manhole and Intake Standards
  9. References

2D Storm Sewer Design

Section 2D-1: General Information for Storm Sewer Design
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  1. Introduction
  2. Location of Storm Sewers
  3. Pipe Materials
  4. Physical Requirements
  5. Horizontal Alignment
  6. Separation of Water Mains from Sewer Mains
Section 2D-2: Storm Sewer Sizing
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  1. Introduction
  2. Definitions
  3. Hydraulics of Storm Sewers
  4. Conservation of Energy
  5. Hydraulic Losses
  6. References
Section 2D-3: Groundwater Barriers and Outlets
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  1. Introduction
  2. Groundwater Barriers
  3. Outlets

2E Culvert Design

Section 2E-1: General Information for Culvert Design
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  1. Introduction
  2. Definitions
  3. Site Considerations
  4. Culvert Design Items
  5. Design Considerations
  6. Pipe Material
  7. Pipe Culvert Sizes
  8. Culvert Inlets
  9. Roadway or Street Overtopping
  10. Storage Routing
  11. References
Section 2E-2: Culvert Hydraulics
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  1. Culvert Flow Controls and Equations
  2. Inlet and Outlet Control
  3. Software Versus Nomographs
  4. Use of Inlet and Outlet Control Nomographs
  5. Culvert Design Example
  6. References

2F Open Channel Flow

Section 2F-1: Channel Types and Structures
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  1. Introduction
  2. Channel Types
  3. Drop Structures for Open Channel Flow
Section 2F-2: Open Channel Flow
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  1. Introduction
  2. Definitions
  3. Uniform Flow (Manning’s Equation)
  4. Energy Flow
  5. Non-uniform Flow
  6. Hydraulic Jump
  7. References

2G Detention Practices

Section 2G-1: General Information for Detention Practices
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  1. Introduction
  2. Storm Detention Regulations
  3. Limitation of Stormwater Runoff
  4. Detention Basin Design Methods
  5. Estimating Storage Volume
  6. Detention Facilities Requirements
  7. References

Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 3: Sanitary Sewers

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3A General Information

Section 3A-1: General Information
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  1. Concept
  2. Conditions

3B Flow Determination

Section 3B-1: Flow Determination
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  1. Sanitary Sewers Design Period
  2. Footing Drain Inflow
  3. Area
  4. Density Table
  5. Special Design Densities

3C Facility Design

Section 3C-1: Facility Design
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  1. Capacity of Pipe
  2. Flow Within the Pipe
  3. Pipe Material
  4. Manning’s Roughness Coefficient
  5. Minimum Grade
  6. Size of Sewer Pipe
  7. Crossings and Clearances
  8. Depth of Sewer
  9. Location of Sanitary Sewers
  10. Alignment of Sewers
  11. Sewer Linings for Ductile Iron Pipe
  12. Manholes
  13. Sewer Services
  14. Force Mains
  15. Siphons

3D Pipe and Manhole Materials

Section 3D-1: Pipe and Manhole Materials
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3E References

Section 3E-1: References
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Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 4: Water Mains

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4A General Information

Section 4A-1: General Information
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  1. Concept
  2. Conditions

4B Size Determination

Section 4B-1: Size Determination
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  1. General
  2. Network Analysis
  3. Velocity Requirements
  4. Minimum Criteria
  5. Flow Considerations

4C Facility Design

Section 4C-1: Facility Design
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  1. General
  2. Water Mains
  3. Blowoffs
  4. Valves
  5. Fire Hydrants
  6. Water Service Stubs
  7. Separation of Water Mains from Sewer Mains
  8. Surface Water Crossings
  9. Air Relief Facilities
  10. Valve, Meter, and Blowoff Chambers
  11. Thrust Blocks and Restrained Joints
  12. Crossings
  13. Flushing, Disinfection, and Pressure Tests

4D References

Section 4D-1: References
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Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 5: Roadway Design

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5A General Information

Section 5A-1: General Information
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  1. Concept
  2. References

5B Street Classifications

Section 5B-1: Street Classifications
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  1. General
  2. Arterial Streets
  3. Collector Streets
  4. Local Streets
  5. Private Streets

5C Geometric Design Criteria

Section 5C-1: Geometric Design Tables
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  1. General
  2. Design Controls and Criteria
  3. Roadway Design Tables
  4. References
Section 5C-2: Geometric Design Elements
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  1. Design Flexibility and Performance-Based Approach
  2. Level of Service
  3. Sight Distance
  4. Horizontal Alignment
  5. Vertical Alignment
  6. Pavement Crowns
  7. Lane Width
  8. Two-way Left-turn Lanes
  9. Raised Median Width
  10. Bridges
  11. Clear Zone
  12. Object Setback
  13. Border Area
  14. Curbs
  15. Parking Lane
  16. Cul-de-sacs
  17. Shoulder Width
  18. Intersection Radii and Right Turning Vehicle Speeds
  19. Pavement Thickness
  20. References

5D Asphalt Pavement Mixture Selection

Section 5D-1: Asphalt Pavement Mixture Selection
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  1. Scope
  2. Definitions
  3. Design Checklist
  4. Material Properties
  5. Use of Mixture Selection Guide and Design Criteria Tables
  6. Example Plans
  7. Examples for Determination of Traffic ESALs
  8. Tables and Figures

5E PCC Pavement Mixture Selection

Section 5E-1: PCC Pavement Mixture Selection
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  1. General Information
  2. Cementitious Materials
  3. Supplementary Cementitious Materials
  4. Aggregates
  5. Chemical Admixtures
  6. Water
  7. Air-entrainment
  8. Slump
  9. Concrete Mixtures
  10. References

5F Pavement Thickness Design

Section 5F-1: Pavement Thickness Design
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  1. General
  2. Pavement Thickness Design Parameters
  3. Calculating ESAL Values
  4. Determining Pavement Thickness
  5. Example Pavement Thickness Design Calculations
  6. References

5G PCC Pavement Joints

Section 5G-1: General Information for Joints
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  1. General Information
  2. Crack Development
  3. Crack Control
  4. Considerations for Good Pavement Jointing
  5. Load Transfer
Section 5G-2: Types of Joints
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  1. Jointing
  2. Joint Spacing
  3. Joint Types
  4. Transverse Dowel Bar Size and Length
  5. Joint Reinforced Concrete Pavements
  6. Miscellaneous PCC Pavement Jointing Figures
  7. References
Section 5G-3: Jointing Urban Intersections
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  1. Jointing Urban Transition Areas
  2. Jointing Cul-de-sacs
Section 5G-4: Jointing Rural Intersections
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  1. Example 1: T-Intersection
  2. Example 2: Intersection at a Divided Highway
Section 5G-5: Jointing Concrete Overlays
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  1. General Information
  2. Bonded Concrete Overlays
  3. Unbonded Concrete Overlays
  4. References
Section 5G-6: Jointing Concrete Roundabouts
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  1. General Information
  2. Types of Jointing Patterns
  3. Jointing Layout Steps

5H Automated Machine Guidance

Section 5H-1: Automated Machine Guidance
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  1. Concept
  2. Deliverables and Computer Inputs
  3. What to Include/Not Include in 3D Engineered Models
  4. Component Naming
  5. Bid Letting
  6. Construction Staking Requirements
  7. Survey Control for AMG Grading
  8. Survey Control for Stringless Operations
  9. Quality Assurance
  10. References

5I Pavement Preservation Program

Section 5I-1: General Information for Pavement Preservation Program
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  1. Concept
  2. Definitions
  3. Benefits
Section 5I-2: Pavement Preservation Process
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  1. Pavement Deterioration
  2. Evaluating Pavement Conditions
Section 5I-3: Preventative Maintenance Treatment Type Selection
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  1. Introduction
  2. Flexible Pavement Treatment Types
  3. Rigid Pavement Treatment Types
  4. References
Section 5I-4: Thin Maintenance Surfaces
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  1. General
  2. Seal Coat
  3. Slurry Seal
  4. Microsurfacing
  5. Fog Seal

5J Pavement Rehabilitation Program

Section 5J-1: Overlays
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  1. General
  2. Concrete Overlays
  3. HMA Overlays
  4. References
Section 5J-2: Cold-in-Place Recycling
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  1. General
  2. Pavement Assessment
  3. Mix Design
  4. Recycling Agents and Additives
  5. Construction
  6. References
Section 5J-3: Full Depth Reclamation
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  1. General
  2. Pavement Assessment
  3. Mix Design
  4. Stabilization Methods
  5. Construction
  6. References

5K Permeable Interlocking Pavers

Section 5K-1: Permeable Interlocking Pavers
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  1. General
  2. Structural Design
  3. Hydraulic Design
  4. Construction Elements
  5. Maintenance

5L Access Management

Section 5L-1: General Access Management
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  1. General Information
  2. Access Permit Procedure
  3. Definitions
  4. Entrance Type
  5. Access Management Principles
  6. References
Section 5L-2: Transportation System Considerations
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  1. Provide a Specialized Roadway System (Principle 1)
  2. Limit Direct Access to Major Roadways (Principle 2)
  3. Promote Intersection Hierarchy (Principle 3)
  4. Locate Signals to Favor through Movements (Principle 4)
  5. Provide a Supporting Street and Circulation System (Principle 10)
Section 5L-3: Access Location, Spacing, Turn Lanes, and Medians
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  1. Preserve the Functional Area of Intersections and Interchanges (Principle 5)
  2. Limit the Number of Conflict Points (Principle 6)
  3. Separate Conflict Areas (Principle 7)
  4. Remove Turning Traffic from Through-traffic Lanes (Principle 8)
  5. Use Nontraversable Medians to Manage Left Turn Movements (Principle 9)
  6. References
Section 5L-4: Driveway Design Criteria
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  1. General
  2. Width Measurement
  3. Dimensions
  4. Sight Distance
  5. Driveway Grades
  6. Other Criteria
  7. References

5M Complete Streets

Section 5M-1: Complete Streets
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  1. Background
  2. Design Guidance
  3. Design Elements
  4. Traffic Calming
  5. References

5N Traffic Impact Studies

Section 5N-1: Traffic Impact Studies
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  1. General
  2. Study Process
  3. Iowa DOT Access Permits
  4. References

5O Railroad Crossings

Section 5O-1: Railroad Crossings
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  1. Railroad Crossing Improvements
  2. Railroad Crossing Construction
  3. Working with a Railroad
  4. Railroad Related Agencies in Iowa
  5. Railroad Companies in Iowa

Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 6: Geotechnical

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6A General Information

Section 6A-1: General Information
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  1. Introduction
  2. Definitions
Section 6A-2: Basic Soils Information
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  1. General Information
  2. Soil Types
  3. Classification
  4. Moisture-Density Relationships for Soils
  5. References
Section 6A-3: Typical Iowa Soils
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  1. General Information
  2. Iowa Geology
  3. References

6B Subsurface Exploration Program

Section 6B-1: Subsurface Exploration Program
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  1. General Information
  2. Program Phases
  3. Site Characterization
  4. Sampling
Section 6B-2: Testing
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  1. General Information
  2. Field Testing
  3. Laboratory Testing
Section 6B-3: Geotechnical Report
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  1. Geotechnical Report
  2. References

6C Pavement Systems

Section 6C-1: Pavement Systems
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  1. General Information
  2. Pavement Support
  3. Pavement Problems

6D Embankment Construction

Section 6D-1: Embankment Construction
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  1. General Information
  2. Site Preparation
  3. Design Considerations
  4. Equipment
  5. Density
  6. Compaction
  7. Embankment Soils
  8. Testing
  9. References

6E Subgrade Design and Construction

Section 6E-1: Subgrade Design and Construction
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  1. General Information
  2. Site Preparation
  3. Design Considerations
  4. Strength and Stiffness
  5. Subgrade Construction
  6. References

6F Pavement Subbase Design and Construction

Section 6F-1: Pavement Subbase Design and Construction
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  1. General Information
  2. Granular Subbases
  3. Recycled Materials
  4. Effects of Stability and Permeability on Pavement Foundation
  5. Effect of Compaction
  6. Influence of Aggregate Properties on Permeability of Pavement Bases
  7. Construction Methods
  8. Quality Control/Quality Assurance Testing
  9. References

6G Subsurface Drainage Systems

Section 6G-1: Subsurface Drainage Systems
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  1. General Information
  2. Need for Subsurface Drainage
  3. Types of Drainage Systems
  4. Design
  5. Construction Issues
  6. Maintenance
  7. References

6H Foundation Improvement and Stabilization

Section 6H-1: Foundation Improvement and Stabilization
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  1. General Information
  2. Stabilization
  3. Subsurface Drainage
  4. Geosynthetics
  5. Soil Encapsulation
  6. Moisture Conditioning
  7. Granular Subbases
  8. References

Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 7: Erosion and Sediment Control

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7A General Information

Section 7A-1: General Information
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  1. Purpose
  2. Background
  3. Definitions

7B Regulatory Requirements

Section 7B-1: Regulatory Requirements
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  1. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
  2. NPDES Construction Site Permitting
  3. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)
  4. Who is Responsible
  5. Transfer of Ownership and Responsibilities

7C The Erosion and Sedimentation Process

Section 7C-1: The Erosion and Sedimentation Process
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  1. The Erosion Process
  2. Factors Affecting Erosion
  3. Sediment Transportation

7D Design Criteria

Section 7D-1: Design Criteria
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  1. Introduction
  2. Erosion Control
  3. Calculating Soil Loss
  4. Sediment Removal

7E Design Information for Erosion and Sediment Control Measures

Section 7E-1: Design Information for Erosion and Sediment Control Measures
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  1. General
  2. Flow Control
  3. Erosion Control
  4. Sediment Control
  5. Runoff Reduction
  6. Flow Diversion
  7. Selecting Control Measures
Section 7E-2: Compost Blanket
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
  6. Regional Location
Section 7E-3: Filter Berms
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-4: Filter Socks
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-5: Temporary Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECP)
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
  6. Design Example
Section 7E-6: Wattles
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-7: Check Dams
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
  6. Regional Location
Section 7E-8: Temporary Earth Diversion Structures
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
  6. Regional Location
Section 7E-9: Level Spreaders
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
  6. Regional Location
Section 7E-10: Rip Rap
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-11: Temporary Pipe Slope Drains
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Design Example
Section 7E-12: Sediment Basin
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Design Example
Section 7E-13: Sediment Traps
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-14: Silt Fences
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
Section 7E-15: Stabilized Construction Exit
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-16: Dust Control
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-17: Erosion Control Mulching
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
Section 7E-18: Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRM)
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Design Example
Section 7E-19: Surface Roughening
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-20: Inlet Protection
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-21: Rip Rap Alternatives
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-22: Temporary Erosion Control Seeding
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
Section 7E-23: Grass Channel
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
  6. Design Example
Section 7E-24: Permanent Seeding
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
Section 7E-25: Sodding
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
Section 7E-26: Vegetative Filter Strip
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-27: Rock Chutes and Flumes
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-28: Flocculents
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
Section 7E-29: Flotation Silt Curtain
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
  5. Time of Year
Section 7E-30: Stockpile Management
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application
  4. Maintenance
Section 7E-31: Greenspace and Buffer Areas
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  1. Description/Uses
  2. Design Considerations
  3. Application

7F Appendix

Section 7F-1: Appendix
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7G References

Section 7G-1: References
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Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 8: Parking Lots

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8A General Information

Section 8A-1: General Information
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  1. General
  2. References

8B Layout and Design

Section 8B-1: Layout and Design
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  1. Parking Lot Access
  2. Parking Lot Circulation
  3. Parking Lot Dimensions
  4. Accessibility Requirements
  5. Drainage
  6. Pavement Design

8C Site Provisions

Section 8C-1: Site Provisions
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  1. General
  2. Number of Parking Spaces Required
  3. Parking Lot Setback Requirements
  4. Landscaping and Screening
  5. Lighting
  6. Pavement Markings

Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 9: Utilities

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9A General Information

9A-1: General Information
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  1. General
  2. Definitions
  3. Design

9B Trench Design

9B-1: General Information for Trench Design
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  1. Trench Theory
  2. Bedding and Foundation Materials
  3. Backfill Materials
  4. Dewatering
9B-2: Rigid Pipes
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  1. Introduction
  2. Trench Width
  3. Pipe Strength
  4. Bedding Factors
  5. Live Load
9B-3: Flexible Pipes
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  1. Introduction
  2. Soil-pipe Interaction
  3. Pipe Design
  4. Flexible Pipe Bedding
  5. Trench Width
  6. Pressure Pipe
9B-4: Ductile Iron Pipe
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  1. Introduction
  2. Pipe Design
  3. Bedding
9B-5: Depth of Bury Tables
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  1. General
  2. Rigid Pipe Assumptions
  3. Flexible Pipe Assumptions
  4. Ductile Iron Pipe Assumptions

9C Casing Pipe

9C-1: Casing Pipe
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  1. General
  2. Casing Thickness
  3. Casing Diameter

9D Utility Cut Restoration

9D-1: Utility Cut Restoration
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  1. General
  2. Background
  3. Factors Affecting Patch Performance
  4. Recommended Utility Trench

9E References

9E-1: References
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Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 10: Street Tree Criteria

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10A General Information

Section 10A-1: General Information
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  1. Concept
  2. Conditions

10B Street Tree Design

Section 10B-1: Street Tree Design
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  1. Area Requirement per Tree
  2. Spacing
  3. Location within Public Right-of-way
  4. Tree Size
  5. Selection of Trees
  6. Trees NOT Recommended for Planting in the Public Right-of-Way
  7. Guideline for Selection of Nursery Trees
  8. Staking of Trees

10C References

Section 10C-1: References
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Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 11: Street Lighting

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Any agency considering use of LED street lights should be aware that the Iowa Code establishes high pressure sodium fixtures as the default street light. However, LED street lights may be used if an evaluation, approved by the Iowa Utilities Board, shows that the LED lights are more energy efficient. See Section 11A-1, C.

11A General Information

Section 11A-1: General Information
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  1. General
  2. Iowa Code
  3. Industry Outlook
  4. Definitions
  5. References

11B Luminaires

Section 11B-1: Luminaires
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  1. Lighting Sources
  2. Light System Depreciation
  3. Luminaire Light Distribution Classifications
  4. References
Section 11B-2: LED Lighting
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  1. LED vs. HPS Lighting
  2. LED Lighting Advantages
  3. LED Lighting Disadvantages

11C Facility Design

Section 11C-1: Facility Design
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  1. General
  2. Design Process
  3. References

Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 12: Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities

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12A Pedestrian Facilities

Section 12A-1: General Sidewalk Requirements
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  1. Introduction
  2. Sidewalk and Walkway Widths
  3. Sidewalk Classes
  4. Accessible Sidewalk Design
  5. Construction Requirements
Section 12A-2: Accessible Sidewalk Requirements
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  1. Introduction
  2. Transition Plan
  3. Definitions
  4. Applicability
  5. Standards for Accessibility
  6. Bus Stop
  7. Accessible Pedestrian Signals
  8. On-Street Parking
Section 12A-3: Protruding Objects
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  1. Introduction
  2. Protruding Object Locations
  3. Clearance
Section 12A-4: Pedestrian Facilities During Construction
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  1. Introduction
  2. Evaluating Pedestrian Needs
  3. Facility Options
  4. Barricades, Channelizing Devices, and Signs
  5. Temporary Pedestrian Facilities
  6. Utility Construction
Section 12A-5: Pedestrian Safety Measures at Crossings
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  1. Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP)
  2. Selecting Crossing Locations for Pedestrian Safety Measures
  3. Design for Safe Pedestrian Crossings
  4. Design of Pedestrian Safety Measures
  5. Pedestrian Safety at Interchanges
  6. References

12B Bicycle Facilities

Section 12B-1: Selecting Bicycle Facilities
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  1. Introduction
  2. Definitions
  3. Bicycle Design User Profiles
  4. Bicycle Network Design Process
Section 12B-2: Shared Use Path Design
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  1. Accessible Shared Use Path Design
  2. Shared Use Path Categories
  3. Shared Use Path Design Elements
  4. Intersection Sight Distance
  5. Surface
  6. Crossings at Unpaved Surfaces
  7. At-grade Railroad Crossing
  8. Drainage
  9. Structure Design
  10. Pavement Markings
  11. Signing
  12. Lighting
Section 12B-3: On-Street Bicycle Facilities
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  1. General
  2. Elements of Design
  3. Shared Lanes
  4. Paved Shoulders
  5. Bicycle Lanes
  6. Intersection Design
  7. Retrofitting Bicycle Facilities on Existing Roadways
  8. Bicycle Boulevards
  9. Bicycle Guide Signs
  10. Railroad Crossings for Bicycles
  11. Obstruction Markings for Bicycle Lanes
  12. Traffic Signals for Bicycles
  13. Bridges and Viaducts for Bicycles
  14. Traffic Calming and Management of Bicycles
  15. Intake Grates and Manhole Castings for Bicycle Travel
  16. Bicycles at Interchanges
  17. Bicycles at Roundabouts
  18. References

Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 13: Traffic Control

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13A Traffic Signals

Section 13A-1: Traffic Signal General Information
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  1. Introduction
  2. Scope
Section 13A-2: Traffic Control Signal Needs Study
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  1. General
  2. Data Collection
  3. Warrants
Section 13A-3: Traffic Signal Features
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  1. Traffic Control Signal Features
  2. Pedestrian Control Features
  3. Agency Specific Information
  4. Signal Design Criteria
  5. Additional Information
Section 13A-4: Traffic Signal Design Consideration
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  1. Geometrics
  2. Operational Characteristics
  3. System (Arterial) Considerations
  4. Signal Design Elements
  5. Traffic Signal Operations
  6. Pedestrian Signal Timing and Design
  7. Motorists, Bicyclists, and Pedestrian Expectations
  8. Future Development and Improvements
  9. References
Section 13A-5: Traffic Signal Specifications Information
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  1. Part 1 – General
  2. Part 2 – Products
  3. Supplemental Requirements
  4. Temporary Traffic Signals

13B Work Zone Traffic Control

Section 13B-1: Work Zone General Information
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  1. Introduction
  2. Importance of Quality Traffic Control
  3. Applicable Standards and Reference
  4. Work Duration
Section 13B-2: Work Zone Set Up
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  1. Major Elements
Section 13B-3: Temporary Traffic Control Devices
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  1. Regulatory Signs
  2. Warning Signs
  3. Guide Signs
  4. Sign Dimensions
  5. Sign Installation
  6. Spacing of Signs
  7. Channelizing Devices
Section 13B-4: Inspection and Documentation of Temporary Traffic Control
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  1. Documenting Inspections
  2. Documenting Crashes in the Work Zone
Section 13B-5: Other Work Zone Considerations
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  1. Flagging in Work Zones
  2. High-Visibility Safety Apparel
  3. Nighttime Operations
  4. Accommodation of Pedestrians and Bicyclists
  5. Road and Street Closures
  6. Business Access
Section 13B-6: Work Zone Traffic Control References
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Page last revised: December 18, 2023

Chapter 14: Trenchless Construction

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14A General Information

Section 14A-1: General Information
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  1. Purpose
  2. When to Consider Trenchless Construction
  3. Cost Analysis of Trenchless vs. Open Cut Construction
  4. Definitions
Section 14A-2: Commonly Used Trenchless Technologies
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  1. Techniques Common in the United States
  2. Techniques Common in Iowa

14B New Construction

Section 14B-1: Planning a Bore
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  1. Bore Pit Locations
  2. Manhole Locations
  3. Bore Lengths
  4. Acceptable Tolerances
  5. Information to Provide to Contractor
  6. Risk Allocation
  7. Drawing on Contractor’s Expertise
Section 14B-2: Methods of New Construction
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  1. Trenchless Methods for New Construction
  2. Expected Service Life for New Construction
  3. Auger Boring
  4. Compaction Boring
  5. Pipe Ramming
  6. Slurry Methods
  7. Horizontal Directional Drilling
  8. Pipe Jacking and Utility Tunneling
  9. Microtunneling

14C Rehabilitation

Section 14C-1: Evaluation of Existing Conditions for Rehabilitation
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  1. Introduction
  2. Evaluating the Condition of the Existing System
  3. Selection of a Rehabilitation Technique
Section 14C-2: Pipeline Rehabilitation
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  1. Cured-in-place Pipe (CIPP)
  2. Fold-and-formed Pipe (FFP) and Deformed Reformed Pipe (DRP) Lining
  3. Sliplining
  4. Pipe Bursting
Section 14C-3: Manhole Rehabilitation
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  1. Introduction
  2. Corrosion Resistant Chimney Sealant
  3. Centrifugally Cast Mortar
  4. In-situ Manhole Replacement

14D References

Section 14D-1: References
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Page last revised: December 18, 2023

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